Question

PN 200 Fundamentals of Nursing II Medication Error Prevention - OTC's Name: Date: Jefr Voss, a 29-year-old graduate student is at the student health center for a physical examination required before going on research trip out of the country. Upon completion of the paperwork, he asks the nurse "The form is asking if I take prescription medications? I do not take prescription medications but I take herbal products and over the counter drugs. Do you need to know about these? 1. How would you as the nurse answer the patient (Do not list a simple yes-state your rationale) Jeff has listed the following on the form: 1 baby aspirin each day to prevent blood clots "Sleep Well" herbal product at night with valerian if needed for sleep Benadryl, primarily at night, allergies "Stress Away" herbal product with ginseng as needed Ibuprofen 3-4 tablets three times a day for muscle aches because "I work out". "Memory Boost herbal product with gingko every morning to help with my studies Jeff tells you that he has multiple bruises on his arms and knees and asks why he seems to bruise so easily. 2. Examine the products on Jeff's list and state if you have any concerns with interactions and/or adverse effects of this combination of herbal products. 3. What do you think has happened? As you question Jeff, he remembers that he had a problem with acid stomach last year and also takes Prilosec OTC as needed. 4. What concerns do you have about this, if any? Reviewed 9/18

Answer 1

1. The nurse can respond in the following way

• It is necessary to inform about the herbal and OTC drugs because these medication can interact with the current medication
• It helps to identify whether the current problems is associated with it or not
• Whether these OTC drugs and herbal products are the contributor for any illness in the future

2.The adverse effects which the nurse can expect are

• Ginko and ginseng when taken with ibuprofen can increase bleeding,as the patient is taking aspirin which puts him at very high risk for bleeding
• Ibuprofen further can increase the risk of peptic ulcer and bleeding from the ulceration
• Benadryl has a sedative effect and additionally taking sleep well substitute can increase drowsiness

3.The interaction of ginseng,ginko with ibuprofen and aspirin has led to bruises on his arms and knees ,this indicates the bleeding tendency

4. Prilosec is one of the most common medication for stomach problems.This can cause alterations in the electrolytes level like decrease in calcium, magnesium, diarrhea and respiratory infection very easily.